Protect Your Teeth Against Decay with Fluoride Treatment
Decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Fortunately, at our Albuquerque, NM, practice, Dr. James Slaman can administer fluoride treatment for you or a young family member to help prevent decay or stop the progression of a cavity. Treatment is fast, safe, and highly effective at reducing the risk of cavities. We believe that preventive care and proper oral hygiene are key when it comes to protecting your smile from cavities.
Why Consider Fluoride Treatment?
Oral bacteria feed on plaque deposits that accumulate on the teeth. This process produces an acidic environment which demineralizes tooth enamel and encourages cavity formation. Once enamel has been breached, the tooth becomes more susceptible to decay and other forms of dental damage. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and actively remineralizes the surfaces of the teeth, making them more resistant to cavities.
Professional fluoride treatment can be completed in just a few minutes at our practice and can be performed during your routine cleaning.
In fact, when applied in the earliest stage of tooth decay, fluoride can reverse the formation of cavities. Professional fluoride treatment can be completed in just a few minutes at our practice and can be performed during your routine cleaning. This procedure is more cost-effective than dental fillings, which would inevitably be necessary once the decay progressed.
How Does Fluoride Treatment Work?
Topical fluoride can be applied to the teeth in gel, foam, or varnish form, depending on the specific needs of the patient. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after your appointment to ensure success. Research studies recommend undergoing professional fluoride treatments twice each year for optimal effectiveness.
Fluoride is most powerful when applied in the earliest stages of decay. In order to diagnose cavities in a timely and efficient manner, Dr. Slaman uses DIAGNOdent® laser cavity detection technology. This device utilizes fluorescence to find decay and make it more visible. This is especially useful for hard-to-reach areas such as between the teeth or in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces.
Benefits of Professional Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in many living organisms. Despite past claims that it is harmful to your health, it has been proven safe and effective in numerous clinical trials. Preventive dentistry services, such as fluoride treatment, are some of the most affordable and beneficial in dentistry. This simple, cost-effective, and straightforward procedure can be completed in under five minutes at our Albuquerque dental practice.
Choose Fluoride Treatment during Your Next Visit
As a dental professional, Dr. Slaman is well-equipped to repair or restore damaged teeth. However, when it comes to long-lasting oral health, prevention is key. This is why we offer preventive treatments such as cleanings, exams, dental sealants, and fluoride at our practice. To learn more about the services we offer and how you can achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come, schedule an appointment with Dr. Slaman. You can call our office at (505) 881-7586 or contact us online.